The Gujarat high court once again insisted that the state government introduce provisions for penal action against schools to make them teach the Gujarati language in primary sections and to think of enacting a law for this similar to what other states have done for compulsory teaching of local languages in schools.
During the hearing of a PIL filed by Matrubhasha Abhiyan demanding strict implementation of a 2018 circular making it mandatory to teach Gujarati in all primary schools in the state, the bench of Chief Justice Sonia Gokani and Justice Sandeep Bhatt suggested the government come up with a law to implement its policy, as many other states have done. For monitoring, the high court insisted on the government having a regulatory mechanism and informing schools about the system.
“There should be some software and all schools should know that in case of non-compliance with this rule, a notice would be served on them,” the court said.
As the state government expressed inability to influence Kendriya Vidyalayas to teach Gujarati, the petitioner undertook to make a representation after finding out that they have a provision to offer a language if 20 or more students express a desire to opt for it.
Further hearing has been posted on February 21, International Mother Language Day.
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